Robert Mathis

Robert Nathan Mathis (born February 26, 1981) is an American football outside linebacker for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Colts in the fifth round of the 2003 NFL Draft. He played college football at Alabama A&M Bulldogs.

Early years

Mathis attended McNair High School in Atlanta, Georgia.

College career

As a 4-year starter at Alabama A&M University, Mathis set an NCAA 1-AA record with 20 sacks during his senior season and established himself as one of the most dominant defensive players in NCAA 1-AA history. In the summer of 2010, Mathis graduated with a degree in exercise science with a minor in physical education, and is a member of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity, Nu Epsilon chapter.^[1]

Professional career

Mathis was selected by the Indianapolis Colts with the 138th selection in the 2003 NFL Draft.

Mathis immediately stepped in during his rookie season as a pass rush specialist, seeing action in all 16 regular season games and recording 20 tackles, 3.5 sacks and 3 forced fumbles. During his second season, Mathis took another step forward as he increased his numbers to 36 tackles, 10.5 sacks and 6 forced fumbles, despite appearing only as a specialist and starting only 1 game. In Mathis's third season, he set a Colts franchise record with 8 consecutive games with at least 1 sack, and finished the season with 54 tackles, 11.5 sacks and 8 forced fumbles, despite missing three games due to injuries.

Following the 2005 season, Robert Mathis signed a 5 year extension with the Colts believed to be worth $30 million, making him one of the highest paid defensive ends in the league.^[2] The following season, Mathis started every game for the first time in his career, recording a career high 65 tackles along with 9.5 sacks and 6 forced fumbles. That year, Mathis helped the Colts go on to beat the Chicago Bears in Super Bowl XLI to become NFL Champions.

In 2007, Mathis recorded 32 tackles, 7 sacks and 4 forced fumbles in an injury shortened season.

In 2008, Mathis had his best statistical season posting 48 tackles, 11.5 sacks and 5 forced fumbles. He was also voted to the 2009 Pro Bowl for the AFC behind teammate and perennial Pro-Bowler Dwight Freeney.

Mathis recorded 9.5 sacks during the 2011 Regular Season. It was the seventh season in his 9-year NFL career that he had at least 9.5 sacks. He will be an unrestricted free agent during the off-season. On January 2, 2012 Mathis was added to the AFC Pro Bowl Roster to replace Patriots DE Andre Carter.^[3] On January 23, 2012 Mathis decided not to play in Pro Bowl to be with his family instead.^[3] He is being replaced by Houston Texans DE Antonio Smith.

Mathis will play strong-side outside linebacker under new colts Head Coach Chuck Pagano.^[4]

References